Few soups are as soul warming and elegant as a classic French Onion Soup. With sweet caramelized onions, a deeply savory broth, and a bubbly, golden cheese topping. It’s comfort food with a touch of French sophistication.
Easy French Onion Soup Recipe: Cheesy & Comforting
Why This is the Best Homemade French Onion Soup
There’s a reason French Onion Soup is a bistro favorite. It’s simple, satisfying, and beautifully rustic. This homemade version delivers everything you love without requiring restaurant prices or fancy equipment.
- Deep Flavor, Simple Ingredients: Caramelizing onions slowly brings out their natural sweetness, and the broth infuses them with savory depth.
- Golden, Cheesy Finish: Toasted bread with melted Gruyère or Swiss turns every bite into a dream.
- Endlessly Customizable: Vegetarian? Use veggie broth. Love mushrooms? Add them in. Want extra cheese? Nobody’s stopping you.
Ingredients You’ll Need for French Onion Soup
Making French Onion Soup at home requires only a handful of pantry staples:
- Yellow onions About 5–6 large ones for sweetness and balance.
- Beef broth Traditional for rich depth (swap with vegetable stock for vegetarian).
- Unsalted butter & olive oil For perfectly caramelized onions.
- Dry white wine Adds complexity (optional but highly recommended).
- Fresh thyme & bay leaf For aromatic flavor.
- French baguette Sliced and lightly toasted.
- Gruyère or Swiss cheese Melts beautifully and creates that signature cheesy crust.
- Salt & pepper To taste.
How to Make French Onion Soup (Step by Step)
Step 1: Caramelize the onions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 35–40 minutes until deep golden brown.
Step 2: Deglaze and simmer
- Add wine to deglaze, scraping up brown bits from the bottom. Stir in broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20–25 minutes. Remove herbs.
Step 3: Broil with bread & cheese
- Preheat your broiler. Ladle soup into oven safe bowls, top each with toasted bread slices, and generously sprinkle with cheese. Broil until bubbly and golden.
Tips for Perfect French Onion Soup
- Patience with onions Slow caramelization is the secret to that deep, sweet flavor.
- Use quality cheese Gruyère melts into creamy, stretchy perfection.
- Make ahead The soup base actually tastes better the next day as flavors deepen.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
- Classic Pairing: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Flavor Boost: Add mushrooms or roasted garlic for extra umami.
- Bread Options: Try sourdough, rye, or even cheesy garlic bread.
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 9 g |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Total Fat | 17 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 40 mg |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
Recipe FAQ,s
Q 1: Can I make French onion soup without wine?
Absolutely! You can skip the wine and use extra broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
Q 2: What’s the best cheese for French onion soup?
Gruyère is the classic choice for its nutty flavor and meltability, but Swiss, Comté, or even provolone work well.
Q 3: Can I freeze French onion soup?
Yes! Freeze the soup base (without bread and cheese) for up to 3 months. Reheat, then add toppings before serving.
Easy French Onion Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- Yellow onions About 5–6 large ones for sweetness and balance.
- Beef broth Traditional for rich depth swap with vegetable stock for vegetarian.
- Unsalted butter & olive oil For perfectly caramelized onions.
- Dry white wine Adds complexity optional but highly recommended.
- Fresh thyme & bay leaf For aromatic flavor.
- French baguette Sliced and lightly toasted.
- Gruyère or Swiss cheese Melts beautifully and creates that signature cheesy crust.
- Salt & pepper To taste.
Instructions
- Step 1: Caramelize the onionsHeat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 35–40 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Step 2: Deglaze and simmerAdd wine to deglaze, scraping up brown bits from the bottom. Stir in broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20–25 minutes. Remove herbs.
- Step 3: Broil with bread & cheesePreheat your broiler. Ladle soup into oven safe bowls, top each with toasted bread slices, and generously sprinkle with cheese. Broil until bubbly and golden.
Video
Notes
- Use sweet onions for a milder flavor.
- For extra richness, add a splash of sherry before serving.
- Make ahead: Soup base can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
